Matthias Church

Matthias Church stands inside Buda Castle with a patterned tile roof, carved portals, and a Gothic tower visible across the Danube. Construction began around 1246 or 1247. The church later hosted royal weddings and coronations, became a mosque after the Ottoman capture of Buda in 1541, and returned to Christian use after 1686. Frigyes Schulek led the major restoration from 1873 to 1896, which explains much of the exterior seen today. Church admission and tower admission are separate. The tower route climbs 197 steps without an elevator or restroom. Liturgies and state visits take priority, so the official daily schedule matters even with an advance ticket.